We convince ourselves that life will be better after we get married, have a baby, then another. Then we are frustrated that the kids aren't old enough, but we'll be more content when they are. After that we're frustrated that we have teenagers to deal with. We will certainly be happy when they grow out of that stage. We tell ourselves that our life will be complete when our spouse gets his or her act together, when we get a better job or car, when we are able to go on a nice vacation, when we retire. The truth is, there's no better time to be happy than right now. If not now, when?

Your life will always be filled with challenges. It's best to admit this and decide to be happy anyway. One of my favorite quotations comes from Alfred D. Souza. He said, "For a long time it had seemed to me that life was about to begin—real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. Then life would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles WERE my life!"

There is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way. So, treasure every moment you have. And treasure it more when you share it with someone special. Remember that time waits for no one. There is no better time than right now to be happy. Happiness is a journey, not a destination. If you have absorbed and practice the lessons Freemasonry teaches, you are ready to be happy—so pay attention: work like you don't need the money, love like you've never been hurt, and dance like no one is watching.

Extracted from Masonry in Manitoba